Though his wikipedia entry (above) fails to mention a star turn on “Homicide” as Dectective Stuart Gharty, newish Reds mouthpiece Jeff Brantley tells the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bill Koch that he was more intent on becoming the next Keith Jackson as opposed to Nolan Ryan. Congrats, college football fans — you really dodged a bullet. (link swiped from Repoz and Baseball Think Factory)

“I don’t think about being critical,” he said. “I think about telling the truth. I expect there to be one way to play the game, and that’s hard and to win. If you’re not playing the ballgame that way, then you’re not playing it the right way.

“This game has done a lot for me and my family. I’ve respected the game from the time I was 10 years old, and now that I’m 43, if you don’t play the game with respect, you’re going to hear from me. It’s not that I’m too critical, it’s just that sometimes people don’t like the truth.”

Brantley, who pitched for the Reds from 1994-97 and ranks fourth in team history with 88 saves, said he sees his job as a chance to teach baseball to his listeners, “whether it’s a 10-year-old or a retired lady sitting at home or some guys hanging around.

“I try to make it where I can cover all basics of the theory of pitching or whatever it may be. I don’t make it too simple for those who are listening, but I don’t make it too difficult, either.”